London: George Allen, 1894-1897. First Thus. Quarto. Complete in 19 parts, each in its original paper wrappers. Housed in two large red cloth clamshell cases. A lovely copy overall, unrestored, unfaded and undamaged. One of Crane's most distinguished works of illustration.

"An epic poem written in the sixteenth century by Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene follows the adventures of numerous medieval knights. Written in a deliberately archaic style, it draws on the history and myth surrounding King Arthur and the Round Table. Each book follows the adventures of a knight who represents a particular virtue (holiness, temperance, chastity, friendship, justice, and courtesy) and who has that quality in him or herself tested" (British Library). Ripe for popularity during the Victorian period, when these same qualities were highly valued, the present version of The Faerie Queene is richly illustrated by popular artist Walter Crane. Fine (Item #4476)